GARETH DUNCAN looks at the Saffas who featured in Europe over the weekend.

Saffa-laden Saracens’ seven-match winning streak in the English Premiership was broken after they suffered a 30-8 away defeat to Northampton Saints. It was retired Springbok captain John Smit’s second successive start for Sarries as first-choice hooker Schalk Brits sat out his second game because of a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle. It also proved to be Sarries’ second consecutive defeat in all competitions as they lost to out-of-form Biarritz in the European Cup last weekend.

Smit showed moments of good play, but delivered a disappointing overall performance as he formed part of a dominated pack. The 33-year-old was subbed in the 59th minute and replaced by former England U20 hooker Jamie George. Centre Brad Barritt, lock Mouritz Botha and No 8 Ernst Joubert (who scored a try) also featured in the run-on side while Stormers-bound prop Deon Carstens and SA-born England prop Matt Stevens came off the bench. Saints tighthead prop Brian Mujati was called off the wood early in the second half.

Saracens No 8 Ernst Joubert

Flanker Francois Louw and scrumhalf Michael Claassens couldn’t inspire Bath to victory as they lost 16-7 to Worcester Warriors, who capitalised on World Cup-winning flyhalf Stephen Donald’s poor goal kicking.

Former Stormers lock Adriaan Fondse made his debut for new club Newcastle Falcons off the bench in a 39-8 defeat to unbeaten log leaders Harlequins. Tighthead prop Faan Rautenbach was solid up front for London Irish in their 21-17 win over lock Marco Wentzel’s London Wasps.

In the French Top 14, flyhalf Conrad Barnard kicked all Agen’s points in their 24-15 win over Bordeaux. Flanker Adri Badenhorst and lock Dewald Senekal also started for the victors.

Sharks tighthead prop Eugene van Staden made the first appearance in his short-term deal with bottom-of-the-log Biarritz, who succumbed to their seventh league defeat after a 28-9 loss to Racing Metro. Scrumhalf Rory Kockott kicked a penalty to help Castres salvage a 22-22 draw against Toulon, who led 19-6 at the break.